A gift to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology will provide scholarships to women who undertake studies in applied science and technology disciplines – fields in which women historically have been under-represented.
The Lois Lehrman Grass Foundation made a pledge of $100,000 to CONNECT: The Campaign for Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. The gift will enable Harrisburg University to award four non-endowed “Lois Lehrman Women in Science Scholarships” in each of five years.
“This gift will help to ensure that women have full access to educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which are known as the STEM disciplines. As the only STEM-focused comprehensive university between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, we are committed to the academic success of individuals historically under-represented in applied science and technology fields,” said Harrisburg University President Mel Schiavelli.
The University has raised $35.8 million toward its $40 million fund-raising drive, CONNECT: The Campaign for Harrisburg University, which was launched July 1, 2006 and is scheduled to conclude by June 30, 2011. Entering the final 15-month home stretch of the five-year campaign, the University is optimistic that – with continued community support – it will reach its ambitious goal.
Having received national accolades for its success in enrolling women into the STEM disciplines, Harrisburg University’s freshman class in the fall of 2009 was 53 percent female.
“This gift will help ensure that women enjoy the high-paying, high-growth careers that a STEM education can provide,” said Kevin J. McNamara, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “More than half of the jobs that will be created over the next decade will require a STEM education. Additionally, the number of science-related career positions will increase at a rate faster than the current national average between now and 2016.”
For more information on the CONNECT campaign, contact Kevin J. McNamara, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 717.901.5145 or CONNECT@HarrisburgU.edu
Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need to meet the demand for careers in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution. It has begun to produce graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines for Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for under-represented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
For more information on the University’s demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu.
